Postal Service Sets Holiday Mailing Dates

USPS image.

By Sonia Isotov

The US Postal Services (USPS) is suggesting that customers mail their international mail by December 10 and their mainland mail by December 18.

Every year the USPS issues suggested holiday mailing dates specifically for Hawaii customers to get their letters, cards, and packages to their destinations by Christmas.

The USPS suggests mailing dates are December 10 for first-class and Priority mail headed to international and overseas military destinations, and Decemeber 18 for First-Class and Priority Mail headed to the mainland.

Procrastinators have until Dec. 20 to send their holiday cheer to the mainland via our expedited Express Mail service.

Dates apply to mail received by each Post Office’s cutoff time.

Postal customers are asked to keep in mind that the above suggested mailing dates are not deadlines, implying that packages or letters will not arrive at their destinations if mailed after the listed dates.

In fact, if normal holiday conditions prevail, the USPS says that chances are good that letters and packages sent shortly after the suggested dates will still make it to their destinations before Christmas.

Ultimately, uncontrollable factors such as mailing volumes and weather determine whether deliveries can be made early or on time.

Here are some time- and money-saving tips from the USPS:

• Save $$$ with FLAT RATE BOXES: Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes are the best deal around. Customers can send up to 70 pounds in Medium Flat Rate Boxes to domestic locations for only $11.35. An even better dealis the Large Flat Rate Box, which holds 50% more (with the same70-pound limit) for only $15.45, and features the tagline “Seasons Greetings from Hawaii” printed on its side. And, to support our military troops overseas, up to 70 pounds can be shipped in the military Large Flat Rate Box to APO and FPO locations for only $13.45.
• Save $$$ with ONLINE DISCOUNTS: Pay for your postage and print out your mailing label at USPS.com and save up to 15% off of over-the-counter rates and receive FREE Delivery Confirmation. Discounted rates are available for Priority, Express and International mailings. Examples: Discounted Medium Flat Rate Boxes sent domestically are $10.85; Large Flat Rate Boxes sent domestically are $14.65; military APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Boxes are $12.65.
• FREE package pickup: Skip the trip to the Post Office during the holidays. After printing out the mailing labels for your packages at USPS.com, notify us at usps.com/pickup that they’re ready to be picked up. Your carrier will be alerted and will pick up your packages from your home or office, usually the next business day. There is no extra charge for this service.
• FREE packaging: Priority Mail and Express Mail envelopes and boxes, including special “Seasons Greetings From      Hawaii” large Flat Rate boxes, are available for FREE at your local Post Office.
• Express Mail on Christmas Day: The Postal Service delivers Express Mail on Christmas Day in major US metropolitan areas. Ask your local postal clerk to determine whether this option is available for your holiday packages.